George R. R. Martin Has Made Some Intriguing Comments About Marvel
The world that author George R.R. Martin has created is not for the faint of heart. First penning "A Song of Ice and Fire" in 1996, the brutal fantasy of Westeros has blossomed into one of HBO's most popular intellectual properties. The series only starts with beheadings, ice zombies, and multiple families who were just a little too close for comfort. For eight seasons, "Game of Thrones" continued to push the envelope until Daenerys' big controversial twist at the end of the series. And though it may be divisive, it interestingly hasn't given anyone second thoughts about continuing the story or at least going back in time to delve into Daenerys' ancestors.
Viewers can revisit the disturbing Targaryen family in the upcoming series "House of the Dragon," set to premiere on August 21. The popularity of "Game of Thrones" and the hype for "House of the Dragon" proves that the Westeros world can stand up next to the likes of other franchises, such as the indomitable Marvel films. And while that is admirable, Martin has a very clear vision of how he doesn't want to be related to the studio juggernaut.
George R.R. Martin isn't interested in becoming the new Stan Lee
Since George R.R. Martin created a rich world full of iconic characters, it isn't hard to compare it to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There hasn't been a franchise quite as ambitious as the MCU and the author contemplated how the "Game of Thrones" universe would dabble in the world of connected franchises.
"The MCU has 'The Avengers,' but they also have something offbeat like 'WandaVision,'" Martin told The Hollywood Reporter. "That's what I hope we can do with these other 'Game of Thrones' shows, so we can have a variety that showcases the history of this world." Creating something tonally different from the previous HBO series appealed to the writer and at the end of the day, what Martin says is gospel. He is the one that created these beloved characters and his desire to be involved in the flourishing world continues. When asked if he envisions himself as other familiar franchise creators, Martin is certain of what he doesn't want.
"Not Stan Lee at the end," Martin decided. Only being a mascot of a franchise is not in the cards for the author. He went on to say, "To be sidelined on the world and characters that you created, that would be tough." And unlike Lee's previous work, Martin has no time for cameos as he swears he is still working on "The Winds of Winter."
George R.R. Martin's series diverges from Marvel in another way
Any comparisons between the MCU and George R.R. Martin's series are tenuous at best. Both properties are certainly profitable but "House of the Dragon" could not be more different thematically. While Marvel revels in the stories of heroes, "Game of Thrones" viewers will see a different side of humanity. And in the new series, characters are more complex than ever, according to Martin.
"It's powerful, it's visceral, it's dark, it's like a Shakespearean tragedy," Martin explained to The Hollywood Reporter. He went on to talk about the characters and said: "They're all flawed. They're all human. They do good things. They do bad things. They're driven by lust for power, jealousy, old wounds — just like human beings." This seems like a point of pride for the author, as well as those involved with the upcoming projects.
"House of the Dragon" showrunner Miguel Sapochnik made sure to add that this show represents the time period accurately, yet tastefully. "... we're going to shine a light on [sexual violence]. You can't ignore the violence that was perpetrated on women by men in that time. It shouldn't be downplayed and it shouldn't be glorified," Sapochnik told THR. Olivia Cooke, who plays scheming Alicent Hightower, seems on board with the theme and told The Telegraph, "I wouldn't feel comfortable in being a part of anything that has just egregious graphic violence towards women for no reason whatsoever, ..." Viewers should expect "House of the Dragon" to be a relevant series with scathing social commentary.